In Memorium: Jeanne Tessier, Communication

Jeanne Tessier, a former IPFW instructor, passed away on January 10, 2018. She taught in the Department of Communication from 1988–2002.

According to Department Chair and Professor of Communication Steve Carr, Tessier was “one of the most thoughtful, compassionate, and wisest persons I have ever known, and certainly both a formative and aspirational influence for the person I pretend to be in the classroom. Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) was never the same once she left, and now the world will be ever more in need of repair without her.”

Tessier was also a celebrated artist. Earlier this year, Jeanne appeared on CBS’ 48 Hours, where she spoke about her experiences as an abuse survivor and her art. She explained that her art was sometimes “an act of liberation” from the past, where she was “trying to bring together the pain and beauty of life.” Watch the full clip here.